Convertible structural unit for wall and table use and attachments thereto



Jan. 14, 1969 J. c. SHERWOOD 3,421,459

CONVERTIBLE STRUCTURAL UNIT FOR WALL AND TABLE USE AND ATTACHMENTSTHERETO Filed on. 19, 1965 Sheet of e J. c. SHERWOOD 3,421,459CONVERTIBLE STRUCTURAL UNIT FOR WALL AND TABLE Jan. 14, 1969 USE ANDATTACHMENTS THERETO Filed Oct. 19, 1965 Sheet 1 N VEN TOR. uo/m CZ SA ZAWOOD rllllllln 3,421,459 RAL UNIT FOR WALL AND TABL Jan. 14, 1969 J. c.SHERWOOD CONVERTIBLE STRUCTU USE AND ATTACHMENTS THERETO Sheet 3 of 6.

Filed 061;. 19, 1965 INVENTOR. JO/l/V a .S'l/EQWOOa Jan. 14, 1969 J. C.SHERWOOD CONVERTIBLE STRUCTURAL UNIT FOR WALL AND TABLE USE ANDATTACHMENTS THERETO Filed Oct. 19, 1965 W 472g40 42/- 42 AM Sheet 4 of 6JU/M/ C. SHERWOOD I N VENTOR.

A TTOZ/VE'Y 1969 J. c. SHERWOOD 3, 2

\ CONVERTIBLE STRUCTURAL UNIT FOR WALL AND TABLE I USE AND ATTACHMENTSTHERETO v v Sheet 5 of 6 Filed Oct. 19, 1965 JTTOR/VE'Y Jan. 14, 1969 J.c. SHERWOOD CONVERTIBLE STRUCTURAL UNIT FOR WALL AND TABLE USE ANDATTACHMENTS THERETO Sheet of 6 Filed Oct. 19, 1965 INVENTOR. Jam/ c?swan/000 United States Patent 2 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSUREConvertible structural units or panels are equipped with cam-type edgefasteners and are joined together as walls and joined with leg supportassemblies as tables, being at all times readily convertible upon quickand convenient operation of the cam-type edge fasteners.

This invention relates to convertible structural units used bothindividually and with other like units as tables and walls, and alsoused with attachments such as: quickly secured leg support assembliesand meeting room facilities.

The purpose of the invention is to provide convertible structural unitswhich can be used in various ways in multiple activities building areasto fulfill respective activity requirements such as occur in classrooms,larger lecture rooms, dining rooms, etc.

The invention, briefly described, concerns convertible structural units,per se, and their combined usage with other like structural units andattachments to form space dividing walls and table tops, for variousactivities, each convertible structural unit containing fastenerassembly components to attach it, directly or indirectly, to anadjoining unit or units forming walls or tables.

This application consolidates the subject matter of and constitutes acontinuation-in-part of each of Ser. No. 342,004; Ser. No. 342,005; andSer. No. 342,006, all filed Feb. 3, 1964, and all of which are nowabandoned.

In accomplishing the purpose of this invention the following objectivesare met:

(1) Each convertible table wall structural unit is interchangeable onewith another throughout all arrangements of multiple convertiblestructural units;

(2) Convertible table wall structural units are quickly and readilyfastened together and taken apart;

(3) Each convertible table Wall structural unit has exterior surfacessuitable for both wall and table purposes;

(4) Each convertible table wall structural unit is light enough to behandled by one person, if necessary, during its installation or removal;

(5) Each convertible table wall structural unit supports its own unit tounit fastening assembly components;

(6) Each convertible table wall structural unit is adopted to receiveframe core and face materials of various purposes, such as wallpaneling, table tops, bulletin boards and chalk boards;

(7) Each convertible table wall structural unit may be supported as atable on random temporary supports but preferably on specificinterlocking quickly secured leg support assemblies;

(8) Each convertible table wall structural unit may be supported alongone major length edge through connections made alternately to cornerposts, multiple-corner posts, and other upright structures having likefastening assembly components;

3,421,459 Patented Jan. 14, 1969 too (9) Each convertible table wallstructural unit may be pivotally supported along one major length edge,directly or indirectly, to an adjacent unit, corner post or otherupright structure;

10) Each convertible table wall structural unit, when a designatedstorage space has limited dimensions is hinged at its midpoint acrossits width or length to fit such restricted size storage space;

(11) Several convertible table wall structural units, may form a veryextensive wall when aligned by additional guide members along theirbottom and/or top edges;

(12) Several convertible table wall structural units in forming acontinuous banquet table with their interlocked and braced quicklysecured leg support; and assemblies form a rigid, sturdy, even surfacetable;

(13) Several convertible table wall structural units with one or moresecured to a central unit which is preferably on wheels, comprise anexcellent nucleus for establishing temporary class rooms within a largermeeting room.

This invention, its purpose and its objective will be more fullyunderstood by reading the following description in which references aremade to accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view showing the convertible, structural unitsfor wall and table use assembled into walls in the background andassembled into tables in the foreground;

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view, with portions removed to illustrate theconvertible structural unit itself in the upright position;

FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of the mid-portion of a second embodimentof the convertible structural unit which for handling and storagepurposes has a hinge joint at its center;

FIGURE 4 is a side elevation with portions removed of portions of twoconvertible structural units where they are joined in the vicinity of afastener with dotted lines indicating a wrench which is inserted intothe control mechanisms of the fastener to aid in performing the joiningor separating function;

FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of the components of the fastenerillustrated in FIGURE 4; and

FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of portions of two structural unitsjoined together in respect to a third embodiment;

FIGURE 7 is a perspective view, like FIGURE 1, of convertible structuralunits arranged upright as walls and extended as table tops when securedto table supports indicating further, how tables are arranged at a rightangle;

FIGURE 8 is a perspective view of a table support connected to the endsof convertible structural units arranged to serve as the interim supportin a continuous table. For illustrative purposes, portions are removedand one convertible structural unit indicated by dotted lines;

FIGURE 9 is an elevation sectional view indicating the stored ortransported position of the table support components in reference to aportion of a convertible structural unit serving as a table, with dottedlines indicating the commencing motion of underside bracing structurefor such unit serving as a table;

FIGURE 10 is an elevation sectional view, similar to FIGURE 9,indicating one underside bracing structure in its stored or transportedposition and the other underside bracing structure in its full bracingposition following the movement indicated in FIGURE 9;

FIGURE 11 is a perspective view of movable assemblies arranged toestablish multiple room facilities, indicating also the use ofconvertible structural units as both wall and table members;

FIGURE 12 is a top view indicating a movable assembly arranged forstorage and/or transporting;

FIGURE 13 is an elevation view, with some portions removed to indicateconstruction of the movable assembly, including its chassis; and

FIGURE 14 is a perspective view of part of the movable assembly at itschassis and the retractable wheel arrangement.

CONVERTIBLE TABLE WALL STRUCTURAL UNIT In the perspective view of FIGURE1, convertible structural units are illustrated connected together alongtheir major side and positioned upright to form walls which extend invarious directions from a starting, supporting or directional post 11.Also shown are the same convertible structural units 10 arranged inhorizontal positions and connected to leg units 12 to form tables. Eachconvertible structural unit 10 is equipped with fastening means 13 alongits sides. The arrangement of fastening means 13 permits quick andreliable fastening of one convertible structural unit 10 to another orto immediate members, such as suporting or directional change 11 post ortable leg unit 12, depending on the greatest need at the moment of useof such convertible structural unit 10 within dwelling places used forvarious activities.

As indicated in FIGURE 2, each convertible structural unit presents twomajor outer surface structures which are substantially continuous to thevarious edges of the structural units 10 Which are joined one to theother. Between these outer surface structures 25, light but strongfilling structure 26 is preferably arranged, such as a light gage paper,metal, or plastic cell structure capable of feeding and transmittingloads in all directions once the core material 26 is positioned withinthe framework 14 and the outer major surface panels 25. Thisconstruction is preferably utilized because an objective inmanufacturing the convertible structural unit 10 is to provide a maximumunit size while keeping under a restrictive weight so each unit may beeasily lifted and arranged by one person.

The outer panels or veneers 25 serve a decorative and/ or a functionalpurpose, such as beautiful paneling, a writing surface for blackboardnotes, or a pin penetrating surface for posting of bulletins, etc.

Although in most instances, the need for storing panels 10 in other thantheir full length position will not be a requirement, nevertheless,certain storage places or transporting vehicles of limited dimensionsmay dictate a requirement of a center hinge 15 joint of each panel 10 asindicated in FIGURE 3.

The joining of one structural unit 10 to another or to an intermittentsupporting post 11 or table leg 12 is indicated in FIGURE 4. Byutilizing a crankable cam action fastening device 13 convertiblestructural units 10 are aligned and drawn together as a removable handoperated crank or wrench 21, indicated by dotted lines, is rotated tomove an interior cam 19 of the fastener 13 past a follower 21. Eachfastener 13 is secured in the principal framing structure 14 of thestructural units 10. The preferred number of these individually actingfasteners 13 is indicated, there being at least two for every edgesection of the units 10.

FIGURE 5 shows the selected fastener 13 by itself with its respectivemale 16 and female 17 portions set apart from one another. This fastener13 is available as a commercial product today. It has an advantage ofproducing both aligning and a drawing together action which may beperformed very quickly by conveniently turning the hand operated wrench21, as indicated by the dotted lines in FIGURE 4. The housings of eachportion 16, 17 of the fastener 13 are screwed into place within theconvertible structural units 10 and substantially concealed by theoverlay of the major surface panel sheets or veneers 25.

As shown in FIGURE 6, continuous edge attachment is provided by formingedge or frame structures 31 which upon assembly receive a complementaryfitting fastening member 33 which thereby secures one structural unit tothe other. The continuous fastening member 33 is inserted into thebutting edge structure 31 after their grooves 32 are aligned. Thefastener 33 may be composed of several pieces, but preferably one or twopieces are used which are easily retrieved from either unit end duringquick separation of the units 30 one from the other.

One of the controlling purposes behind the utilization of convertiblestructural units is their cooperative and quick conversion between walland table assemblies. Therefore, very quick releasible fasteners 13, asindicated in FIG- URES 4 and 5 are presently deemed preferable.

Where panels will require some degree of flexibility in their standend-for-end, for example, along an are upon their proper adjustment, theuse of a continuous strip fastener 33 in the groove 32 is particularlydesirable, especially where it is made out of flexible and/or resilientmaterial. If, however, a straight aligned wall is desired, the endwisesliding insert material is made of a non flexible and/or non resilientmaterial, such as a metal of suflicient thickness to provide therigidity wanted.

These convertible structural units 10 or 30 for wall and table use intheir day-to-day presence within larger interior spaces of churches,schools, clubs, and offices, offer a versatile utilization of suchlarger interior spaces in an extremely convenient, structurally sound,and attractive way. Their utilization is further enhanced, for example,as indicated in FIGURES 1 and 7, where convertible table wall structuralunits 10 are shown in use side by side as walls and end to end oralongside one another with supports 12 interfitted to establish tables.Conversion time from wall to table use is minimized again by employmentof convenient quick acting fastening devices 13 such as the aligning andtightening cam fastener 13.

LEG SUPPORTING UNITS In addition, conversion time from wall to table useis minimized by interposing between these convertible units 10,supporting units 12 or leg supporting assemblies 12, indicated in moredetail in FIGURES 8, 9 and 10.

Each supporting unit 12 has vertical members 34 joined together belowwith cross brace 35 and above with receiving top 36. The top 36 forms auniform height and even surface extension of the convertible structuralunits 10 which are joined to one or both major edges of the tablesupport units 12 using, for example, quick-acting fasteners 13 whichalign and draw together the mating components 10 and 36.

Although this support 12 holding convertible structural units 10together through fastener 13 maintains the resulting table unit in anupright position quite satisfactorily, additional bracing is considereddesirable. It is furnished by using swinging braces 39 which ultimatelyreach a substantially horizontal position to bear against the lower orother surface or side of the convertible structural unit 10. To insurethe resulting fit between brace 39 and the underside of convertiblestructural unit 10 will, in fact, be a secure one, the swinging motionof top brace 39 follows an arcuate path which is non-planar with theother surface. In addition, a gripping pad 40 is attached to the topsurface of brace 39.

To provide for such non-planar travel of the brace 39 it is pivotallysecured to the under side of top 36 at a place which is offset withrespect to the pivoting location of a diagonal rod 42 which extendsbetween this below pivot location and under side of brace 39 near itspadded end. Rod 42 is firmly secured above and inserted below in areceiver 43 with sufficient rotative clearance.

Each supporting unit 12 is provided with two such bracing assemblies 39so as the unit 12 is used to support tables extending from eitherdirection, braces 39 are swung out into their acting positions toimprove rigidity of the entire overall table structure, as indicated inFIGURE 8, where one table is shown in dotted lines to reveal structuraldetails and fasteners 13.

As thus assembled with supporting structure 12, con-.

vertible structural units become very sturdy, dependable tables whichare arranged in an end-to-end position as indicated in FIGURES 1 and 7.Also, one or more units 10 may be located relative to others in a ninetydegree arrangement as indicated in FIGURE 7. In such an arrangement aside edge of a convertible structural unit 10 may be fastened to tablesupport 12.

When not in use or in transit, supporting units 12, through pivotingaction of table brace assembly 39, are reduced in profile within thevolume determined by top 36, vertical leg members 34 and cross leg brace35.

By joining convertible structural units 10 together with table supports12, continuous, level and rigid table service structure is providedduring functional use of the entire assembly. Quick changes of any tablelayout or pattern are always easily accomplished. Moreover, disassemblyof one or more units 10 to reassemble them into wall configurations ofFIGURES 1 and 7 is also easily and quickly accomplished. Thiscooperative use of convertible structural units where large spaces areused for many functions which vary widely in activities undertaken isparticularly notable in church meeting places, school rooms, clubs andoffices.

MOVABLE ASSEMBLIES OF MEETING ROOM ASSEMBLIES In keeping with thepurpose of providing convertible table wall structural units to aid inthe multiple use of larger spaces, a movable assembly of functionalinterrelated structures is easily and compactly arranged for larger roomprograms and thereafter easily and expandably arranged for smaller roomprograms, increasing manyfold the overall usefulness, for example, ofchurch building areas. Such an assembly of functional interrelatedstructures is illustrated in FIGURES 11, 12, 13 and 14. It comprises acentral unit, preferably on wheels, to serve as an independent supportfor all added structures when the latter are both compacted andexpanded; storage compartments, as necessary, directly on and forming apart of the central unit; and multiple wall units hinged at least on oneof their ends directly or indirectly to the central unit and, asnecessary, to the storage compartments thereof, each multiple wall unitcomprising in turn convertible table-wall structural units fastenedtogether.

As shown in FIGURE 11, movable assemblies 50 are arranged near oneanother and from them their supported walls are extended to formseparate activity spaces. Although one assembly 50 can serve as theheart or central unit of a planetary movable assembly, two are showntogether for illustrative purposes of how such movable assemblies 50 maybe positioned with others.

The number of such movable assemblies 50 to be used within a givenlarger dwelling space will range from none to several. Where there is noneed for storage facalities for equipment, clothing .and/ orpublications, there is litt e likelihood of there being a need for aheart or central movable unit 51 and its assembled walls of convertiblestructural units 20. Once a requirement for a central unit is evident,however, its use becomes important as a central stabilizing structure 51serving as an island to support wall structure assemblies.

Preferably, each cenrtal unit 51 is equipped with a chassis 52supporting a rectractable-limited swivel 53- wheel 54-axle 55 assembly56 which is lowered and ne' tracted by using a wrench 21 inserted infitting 57 which preferably is like the wrench receiving fitting infasteners 13 joining together convertible structural units 10.

Either central movable unit 51 of movable assembly 50 is equipped (notshown) at various locations with fasteners 13 and hinges 58 to directlyreceive walls composed of convertible structural units 10. Or, as shownin FIGURE 1, the first connecting member is a supporting post 59 securedto central unit 51, for example by fasteners 13 shown in detail inFIGURE 5.

These supporting posts 59, depending on their intended use, canthereafter be equipped with additional fasteners 13 and/ or hinges 58.When used in this manner supporting posts 59 strengthen the assembly andprotect the basic structure of central movable unit 51. Also whereverpivotal attachment is to be undertaken, hinges 58 are attached,preferably, to supporting posts 59 rather than to central unit 51itself. Therefore, whenever there is no need for a hinge connection inconjunction with central unit 51, supporting post 51 with its hinges 58is quickly removed, leaving central unit 51 clear of protrudinghardware.

As noted previously, when the dwelling space is again to be usedessentially for a larger room activity, central units 51, preferably,while still supporting some converti'oe structural units 10 as anoverall assembly 50, are consolidated and moved out of the way.

By using specially designed end members (not shown) on central units 51or building up equivalent members by joining one or more supportingposts 58 together with various hinge axis spacings are possible tosupport several convertible structural units 10 together in a nestledgrouping on respective sides of central or heart unit 51 as illustratedin FIGURES 2 and 3.

As shown in FIGURE 12, at least two convertible structural units arefolded as a starting wall unit across central unit 51 where it isslightly longer to include its structural framing. Other arrangementsare possible, including the provision of additional hinges along thefolded wall so that the last wall to be folded against central unit 51can be composed of more convertible structural units. Essentially,however, a typical grouping of a movable assembly 50, as shown inFIGURES 12 and 13, is recommended. It may be quickly moved to a locationand opened to serve as the heart of a new grouping of convertiblestructural units 10 which are conveniently added to, as necessary, toform multiple activity spaces within a much larger space. Movableassembly 50 serves as the new grouping of convertible structural units10 which are conveniently added to, as necessary, to form multipleactivity spaces within a much larger space. The movable assembly 59serves as the steady base of operations, optionally including provisionsfor supplies of books, papers, and other material.

SUMMARY Convertible structural units or panels which are well equippedwith edge located cam-type fasteners are provided for creating a wall astwo or more of these convertible structural units are fastened togetherand they are provided for creating a table as a convertible structuralunit is secured at each end to leg supporting assemblies, utilizingthroughout such selective assemblies and disassemblies the quick actingcam-type edge fasteners.

I claim:

1. A table assembly comprising at least one convertible structural panelhaving, components of the camtype edge fasteners spaced along all itsedges, at least two supporting leg sub-assemblies secured to oppositeedges of the panel, each supporting leg su bassembly having cooperatingcomponents of the cam-type fasteners to complementarily fit thecomponents of the cam-type edge fasteners of the convertible structuralpanel thereby quickly joining these supporting leg subassernblies andconvertible structural panel together, until quick disassembly isundertaken and thereafter the convertible structural panels may berejoined later on as tables and also be joined with other convertiblestructural panels to form a wall by utilizing cam-type edge fasteners,all the cam-type fasteners arranged for operation in pairs, each pairhaving a respective cam follower unit and a retracta'ble rotatable camunit, with each cam follower unit secured in a recess in one edge of onestructural panel opposite the retractable rotatable cam unit secured inan opposite recess in one edge of the supporting leg assembly so thatupon rotating the retactable cam it is eccentrically rotatably projectedover and initially beyond the cam follower to thereafter close inagainst the cam follower to gradually and firmly draw the respectiveopposed cam unit together and consequently to draw the respective edgesof the convertible structural panel and the supporting leg assemblytogether, along all edges where the cam type fasteners are located androtated in like manner, and the supporting leg sub-assemblies furthercomprising:

(a) two vertical leg members secured to the supporting leg assembly nearits ends;

(b) a cross brace between the two vertical leg members having two holesnear its middle that are slightly spaced apart on each side of thecenter of the cross brace;

(0) two steadying arms, each respectively rotatably mounted at one oftheir ends to the supporting leg unit near its center for their movementinto increasingly firm contact with the underside of the convertiblestructural panel; and

(d) diagonal braces, each respectively secured at their top end to thefree swinging end of one steadying arm and having its other bottomdiagonal brace end rotatably inserted in one of the holes that islocated 011 center in the cross brace, each diagonal brace thereby beingpositioned to guide the swinging end of its associated steadying arminto firmer contact with the lower surface of the adjacent convertiblestructural panel being supported as a table.

2. A table assembly, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the supporting legsub-assemblies have a. table extension to receive: respective portionsof the cam type fasteners in edge recesses; two vertical leg memberslocated underneath it near its ends, and two steadying arms pivotallysecured to its under surface near its center.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 262,984 8/1882 Rohde 108-781,408,731 3/1922 Harris 312-237 1,424,419 8/1922 Malarkey 108-792,162,523 6/1939 Blood 52-71 X 2,204,319 6/1940 Parsons 52-282 X2,375,941 5/1945 Nostrand 5-330 2,549,242 4/1951 Ross 108-112 X2,647,287 8/1953 Jones 52-582 2,911,274 11/1959 Grube 52-623 3,233,9421/1966 Cruetz 297-440

